Organically chelated mineral compositions and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of making a mineral product. The method includes contacting a carboxylic acid and an inorganic mineral compound sufficient to form a solution, reacting the solution over a period of time sufficient to provide a mineral chelated compound, transferring the mineral chelated compound to one or more molds prior to the compound substantially solidifying and reducing the size of the mineral chelated compound sufficient to provide a rapidly soluble mineral chelated product.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/289,295 filed Dec. 22, 2009, whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Cobalt and other inorganic minerals are useful to mammals in many ways.One important need for cobalt in animal nutrition is in regard tovitamin B12 production. Microorganisms require cobalt to produce vitaminB12. Digestive bacteria have a very strong affinity for cobalt. When adissociable cobalt source is introduced into the rumen, for example, theuptake by bacteria is rapid—about 80-85% within 30-40 minutes. The plantform of cobalt supplied by ration ingredients is released with aconsiderable degree of variability. So, matching the form provided in asupplement to the metabolic demands by the rumen microorganisms and theanimals' physiological needs is key to maximizing animal performance.

Vitamin B12 levels in an animal are directly proportional to the levelof available cobalt supplied to the rumen. Vitamin B12 levels in theplasma and liver directly impact the ability to convert propionic acidto glucose and the ability to synthesize methionine. Products on themarket to supply cobalt to animals or other living organisms are oftenin forms less available to the animal or organism than desirable,causing unnecessary waste and inefficiencies. Conventional processes ofmaking such products are inefficient and impractical to provide asoluble form. There is a marked difference in solubility in water ofcobalt lactate versus cobalt carbonate, for example.

Cobalt, transition metals and trace minerals are useful tomicroorganisms directly for metabolism, immune function andreproduction. Microorganisms in the soil that fix nitrogen to enhanceplant growth are called Azotobacters. The form of the trace mineralsadded to soil or to other systems employing microorganisms, such aswaste treatment systems, biofilters, anaerobic digestors and the like,impacts the availability and therefore uptake of the trace element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsdescribe substantially similar components throughout the several views.Like numerals having different letter suffixes represent differentinstances of substantially similar components. The drawings illustrategenerally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, variousembodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block flow diagram of a method of making a rapidlysoluble mineral chelated product, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block flow diagram of a method of applying amineral lactate compound, according to some embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block flow diagram of a method of administering amineral lactate compound, according to some embodiment.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of making a mineralproduct. The method includes contacting a carboxylic acid and aninorganic mineral compound sufficient to form a solution, reacting thesolution over a period of time sufficient to provide a mineral chelatedcompound, transferring the mineral chelated compound to one or moremolds prior to the compound substantially solidifying and reducing thesize of the mineral chelated compound sufficient to provide a rapidlysoluble mineral chelated product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description includes references to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description.The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in whichthe invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are alsoreferred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Theembodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, orstructural, and logical changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present invention. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of thepresent invention is defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used to include one or morethan one and the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or”unless otherwise indicated. In addition, it is to be understood that thephraseology or terminology employed herein, and not otherwise defined,is for the purpose of description only and not of limitation.Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documents referred toin this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety,as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event ofinconsistent usages between this document and those documents soincorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated referenceshould be considered supplementary to that of this document; forirreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

Embodiments of the invention relate to inorganic mineral chelatedcompositions and methods of making and using such compositions.Embodiments describe a unique process including a reaction to form anorganically bound cobalt or other mineral, optionally carrying thereacted material in an inert media and applying or administering theproduct. The process is substantially stoichiometric, in which there arelittle to no by-products that would otherwise need to be removed fromthe product. The process is very efficient, cost-effective and providesa readily available form of inorganic material for fertilization ornutrition or the benefit of microflora in a number of applications. Thecomposition produced may be in a liquid form that is easily applied toplants, pastures, lawns or gardens or administering via a nutritionalproduct or feed to animals or humans. Embodiments of the presentinvention utilize a carboxylic acid, such as lactic acid, to provide aninorganic mineral chelated composition that is easily administered orapplied in any form or supplementation, liquid nutrition, agriculturaluse or industrial use.

In supplementation, the composition has a greater affinity to digestivemicrobials than other sources or structures of inorganic minerals. Inruminants, for example, the composition provides faster weight gain,heavier weaning weights and enhances rumen fermentation utilization. Thecomposition increases cellulose breakdown and utilization and helpsdigest forage better. Additionally, the animals utilize protein andcalcium better, providing a decreased need for commercial proteins.

In addition to administering the chelated compound to mammals or otherliving organisms as part of feed or feed supplement, methods of applyingthe product for agricultural purposes are described. It is possible totransfer nutrients to a mammal through treatment of the soil or plantson which it grazes. This may be more cost effective and potentially moreefficacious to the animal. Additionally, chelated trace minerals such ascobalt positively impact the health and growth of microorganisms, thushaving a beneficial impact on the microorganisms' environment.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, “fatty acid” refers to a carboxylic acid, often with along unbranched aliphatic tail (chain), which may be either saturated orunsaturated. Examples of fatty acids may include lactic acid, propionicacid and butyric acid.

As used herein, “carboxylic acid” refers to organic acids characterizedby the presence of a carboxyl group, which has the formula —C(═O)OH,usually written —COOH or —CO₂H. Examples of carboxylic acids may includelactic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid.

As used herein “microflora” refers to living microorganisms that are sosmall that they can be seen only with a microscope and that maintain amore or less constant presence in a particular area, e.g. the pharynx orthe rumen. Microflora includes bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi forexample.

As used herein, “lactic acid” refers to a carboxylic acid with achemical formula of C₃H₆O₃.

As used herein, “inorganic mineral compound” refers to an elemental orcompound composition including one or more inorganic species. Forexample, an inorganic mineral compound may be cobalt, cobalt carbonate,zinc oxide, cupric oxide, manganese oxide or a combination thereof.Inorganic mineral compounds may include scandium, selenium, titanium,vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, copper and zinc, forexample. Transition metals may also be included and salts, oxides,hydroxides and carbonates of the above mentioned compounds may be used.

As used herein, “solution” refers to a homogeneous or substantiallyhomogeneous mixture of two or more substances, which may be solids,liquids, gases or a combination thereof.

As used herein, “reacting” refers to undergoing a chemical change.Reacting may include a change or transformation in which a substancedecomposes, combines with other substances, or interchanges constituentswith other substances

As used herein, “mineral chelated compound” refers to chemical compoundor mixture including at least one inorganic substance and a derivativeof a carboxylic acid or reaction product of a carboxylic acid and aninorganic mineral compound.

As used herein, “transferring” refers to moving a component or substancefrom one place or location to another.

As used herein, “mold” refers to a hollow form or matrix for shaping afluid, gel, semi-solid or plastic substance.

As used herein, “filtering” or “filtration” refers to a mechanicalmethod to separate solids from liquids, or separate components by sizeor shape. This can be accomplished by gravity, pressure or vacuum(suction).

As used herein, “rapidly soluble mineral chelated product” refers to amineral chelated compound that has been altered to increase solubilityin a solvent. Altering may include reducing in size, filtering,screening or chemically reacting. An inorganic mineral compound may beorganically chelated such that its solubility changes from insoluble tosoluble in a chose solvent.

As used herein, “screening” refers to separating components by size bypassing or refusing to pass components through a screen or mesh.

As used herein, “reducing in size” refers to physically or chemicallyreducing the size of one or more components, such as by grinding,crushing or milling, for example.

As used herein, “mesh size” refers to the number of openings in one inchof a screen or filter.

As used herein, “contacting” may refer to physically, chemically,electrically touching or bringing within sufficient close proximity.

As used herein, “carrier” refers to a substance physically or chemicallybound with a target or active substance in order to facilitate the useor application of the target or active substance.

As used herein, “substrate” refers to a base layer or material on whichan active or target material interacts with, is applied to or is carriedby.

As used herein, “stoichiometric” or “stoichiometric amounts” refer tostarting materials of a reaction having molar amounts or substantiallymolar amounts such that the reaction product is formed with little to nounused starting material or waste. A stoichiometric reaction is one inwhich all starting materials are consumed (or substantially consumed)and converted to a reaction product or products.

As used herein, “applying” refers to bringing one or more componentsinto nearness or contact with another component.

As used herein, “administering” refers to giving or applying. Morespecifically, administering refers to providing a substance such amammal ingests the substance, such as through feeding or medication.

As used herein, “feed” refers to food for animals, fish, reptiles,microflora, insects, birds or any living organism.

As used herein, “feed supplement” refers to something added to a feed orfood to remedy a deficiency, strengthen or increase the value of thefeed or food.

As used herein, “mixture” refers to a combination of two or moresubstances in physical contact with one another. For example, componentsof a mixture may be physically combined as opposed to chemicallyreacting.

Referring to FIG. 1 a block flow diagram 100 of a method of making arapidly soluble mineral chelated product is shown, according to someembodiments. A carboxylic acid 102, such as lactic acid, may becontacted 106 with an inorganic mineral compound 104, sufficient to forma solution 108. The solution 108 may be reacted 110 over a period oftime, sufficient to provide a mineral chelated compound 112. The mineralchelated compound 112 may then be transferred and reduced in size 114 tosufficient to provide a rapidly soluble mineral chelated product 116.Transferring may include transferring to one or more molds, prior to thecompound substantially solidifying.

Carboxylic acid 102 may be contacted 106 with an inorganic mineralcompound 104, such as by mixing. The molar amounts or stoichiometricamounts may be utilized. If the carboxylic acid 102 is lactic acid, thecarboxylic acid content may be about 60% to about 80% of the mixture byweight. The inorganic mineral compound 104 may include about 20% toabout 40% of the mixture by weight. More specifically, the lactic acidmay include about 62% to about 76% and the inorganic mineral compound104 may include about 24% to about 38% by weight of the mixture. Thelactic acid 102 may be 88% strength lactic acid, for example.

When the carboxylic acid 102 is propionic acid, the carboxylic acidcontent may be about 55% to about 75% by weight and the inorganicmineral compound content about 25% to about 45% by weight. Morespecifically, the propionic acid may include about 57% to about 72% andthe inorganic mineral compound 104 may include about 28% to about 43% byweight. When the carboxylic acid 102 is butyric acid, the carboxylicacid content may be about 60% to about 80% by weight and the inorganicmineral compound content about 20% to about 40% by weight. Morespecifically, the butyric acid may include about 61% to about 76% andthe inorganic mineral compound 104 may include about 24% to about 39% byweight.

The carboxylic acid 102 and inorganic mineral compound 104 may be placedin a vessel, optionally with one or more catalysts. Examples of acatalyst include iron and alkaline earth metals. The vessel may beoptionally agitated, such as by vibrating, shaking, turning or spinning.Water may be added to the vessel, before, during or after the contacting106 of carboxylic acid 102 and inorganic mineral compound 104. Once asolution 108 is formed, it may be reacted 110 over a period of time. Thereaction may initiate based solely on the contact 106 between carboxylicacid 102 and inorganic mineral compound 104, after addition or contactwith a catalyst or similarly with the contact or addition of water ofsome combination thereof. Depending on the type of inorganic mineralcompound utilized 104, carbon dioxide may be evolved as the solution 108heats up. Both water vapor and optionally carbon dioxide may begenerated and released from the vessel. No reflux process is needed ordesired, as often used conventionally with regard to related reactions.All by-products may be passively and naturally removed, without the needfor solvent or refluxing. Carbon dioxide and water may be released intothe atmosphere, for example.

The reaction ultimately produces a mineral chelated compound 112. Themineral chelated compound 112 may form a porous, brittle rock if left tosolidify. The mineral chelated compound 112 may then be transferred fromthe vessel to one or more molds, prior to the compound substantiallysolidifying. The molds may be of varying shapes or sizes, such that thecompound may be easily handled and transported. Water vapor may befurther driven off the compound as it solidifies within the one or moremolds.

The mineral chelated compound 112 may be reduced in size 114. Thecompound 112 may be removed from the molds and placed in a “de-lumper”or single or double shaft disintegrator or crusher, which may reduce thesize of the compound to small particles. The particles may be about 1 toabout 2 inches in size, for example. The small particles may then befurther reduced in size 114, such as by being contacted with a mill(i.e., hammer mill or roller mill). The small particles may then bereduced to a fine powder. Reducing the compound 112 to a fine powder mayincrease its solubility, providing a rapidly soluble mineral chelatedproduct 116. After contacting with a mill, the particles may be screenedto further separate larger particles from smaller ones. Any largerparticles may be placed back in the mill for further reduction in size.Screening may include filtering with a mesh. The mesh size may be about50 to about 70 or about 50, about 60 or about 70 size mesh. The meshsize may less than 50 for example.

The rapidly soluble mineral chelated product 116 may be furthercontacted with a carrier. The carrier may be a dry substrate or a liquidcarrier, for example. The carrier may include one or more ofdiatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate, limestone, sugars, dextrose,water, ground corn cobs, starch and combinations thereof.

One example of the rapidly soluble mineral chelated product 116 may beorganically chelated cobalt, with the following chemical formula:

(CH₃—CHOHCOO⁻)₂−Co(cobalt lactate).

Referring to FIG. 2, a block flow diagram 200 of a method of applying amineral chelated compound is shown, according to some embodiment. Amineral chelated compound 202 may be applied 204 to a lawn, garden,pasture or field 206, for example. Alternatively, the compound 202 maybe administered 302 to one or more living organisms 304 (see view 300 ofFIG. 3). The compound 202 may further include a carrier.

The compound 202 may include one or more of a cobalt lactate compound,zinc lactate compound, copper lactate compound or manganese lactatecompound. The carrier may include diatomaceous earth. Applying 204 mayinclude spraying, planting in a seed mix, planting in a fertilizer mix,or a combination thereof. Lawn, garden, pasture or field 206 may includesporting fields and golf courses, for example. Pasture or field mayinclude a harvested field, bailed field, or field or pasture with cropscut. Applying 204 may also include applying while the crop is harvestedor after the crop is harvested. Applying 204 may increase growth in aplant. Applying 204 may include applying the compound 202 in an amountbetween about 1 to about 100 ppm or between about 1 to about 1000 ppm,for example. The compound 202 may also be used as a benefit to anymicroflora, enzyme or biological industrial product, for example. Thecompound 202 may be used industrially or in human nutrition. Applying204 may strengthen a root system of a plant.

The one or more living organisms may include mammals, such asmonogastric or ruminant mammals. Administering 204 may include providingthe product as a feed or feed supplement. Alternatively, administering204 may include providing the product to the mammals through ingestionof a plant containing the product. Administering 304 may increase rumenactivity in a mammal, for example. Increasing rumen activity may includeincreasing metabolism.

The mineral product discussed in embodiments of the current inventionmay include one or more mineral chelated lactates in addition to othercomponents. The mineral product may include one or more metal sulfates,such as sulfates of manganese, zinc, copper or combinations thereof. Theone or more mineral chelated lactates may be a cobalt lactate compound,zinc lactate compound, copper lactate compound or manganese lactatecompound. A carrier may be utilized, such as dextrose. Additionalcomponents may include fibers, yucca and one or more enzymes.

The one or more mineral chelated lactates may be present in an amount ofabout 15% to about 20% of the product by weight. The one or more metalsulfates may be present in an amount of about 2% to about 10% of theproduct by weight. The fiber may be present in an amount of about 1% toabout 5% of the product by weight. The enzymes may include about 0.1% toabout 2% by weight, the yucca about 1% to about 5% by weight and thecarrier about 60% to about 80% by weight.

Example 1

In Table 1, the growth of grass when cobalt lactate was applied eitherin the soil (before seeding) or sprayed directly onto the grass oncegrowing is shown for the various levels of cobalt (0, 1, 10, 100 and1000 ppm) that was applied. Following growth 2, cuttings were made thenthe total weight of grass was shown for the various treatments. Growthroughly doubled when cobalt lactate was applied in the soil at 1 or 10ppm or applied by spray at 100 ppm. All work was done with a fullycomplete soil with respect to nitrogen, phosphorus and potash (MiracleGro Soil), so that the only difference in the greenhouse flats was theapplied cobalt level and the manner in which it was applied. The uptakeof cobalt correlated with the application rate and that was mirroredclosely at the lower levels.

TABLE 1 Sum Grass Grass Grass Target Cuttings Cuttings Cuttings SoilSeed Cobalt Weight Weight Weight Cobalt Weight Weight Level (gms, (gms,(gms, 1st + Sample Medium (gms) (gms) (ppm) 1st) 2nd) 2nd) 1 Soil 25502.6 0 19.94 3.31 23.25 2 Soil 2550 2.6 1 31.06 22.73 53.79 3 Soil 25502.6 10 22.8 31.41 54.21 4 Soil 2550 2.6 100 16.33 10.12 26.45 5 Soil2550 2.6 1000 5.15 1.81 6.96 6 DI H2O 2550 2.6 0 17.28 8.28 25.56 7 DIH2O 2550 2.6 1 15.7 13.9 29.6 8 DI H2O 2550 2.6 10 17.76 14.37 32.13 9DI H2O 2550 2.6 100 18.56 26.57 45.13 10 DI H2O 2550 2.6 1000 24.0315.44 39.47

Example 2

Sixty-four sample flats were analyzed. Empty flats were filled withabout 0.25 cubic feet of Miracle Gro Soil per flat (a complete soil withenough macro-nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potash to feed theplants for 3-4 months). The seeds were planted and then the seeded soiltreated. Flats were watered daily. Progress was documented weekly. Thisnumber of flats resulted from running a number of positive controls andseveral levels of the chelated cobalt lactate per plant selection orchoice.

The makeup of 64 flats was 8 sections times 8 flats per section. Thefirst 8 flats were planted with a mixture of clovers. Flats 9-16 werealso planted with the clover mixture at 5.2 grams seed/flat versus 2.6grams seed/flat in 1-8. Flats 17-24 were planted with Fast & Fine Seedat 2.6 grams/flat, equivalent to the seeding rate from 2008. Fast & FinePremium Grass Seed is a commercial mixture of Indy Perennial Ryegrass,Silver Dollar Perennial Ryegrass, Boreal Creeping Red Fescue, KellyKentucky Bluegrass and Clearwater Kentucky Bluegrass. Flats 25-32 wereplanted with a mixture including green globe turnips, dwarf Essex foragerapeseed, Rangi forage and giant rapeseed. Flats 33-40 were planted witha mixture of seeds including hybrid sunflower, grain sorghum, Prosomillet and buck-wheat, at 5.2 grams/flat. Flats 41-48 were planted withVernal alfalfa at 5.2 grams/flat and 49-56 with the same seed but at 2.6grams/flat.

Treatment sequence was the same within each of the above 7 sections offlats numbered 1-56. In each section the first flat was the truecontrol, no additional soil additives. The second flat was treated witha commercial soil additive called Delt Ag, the third another productcalled Plot Max and the fourth with a Yucca extract. Delt Ag Seed Coatis a blend of organically complexed nutrients and is specificallydesigned to enhance seedling emergence and plant growth. It containssulfur, soluble manganese and soluble zinc (from manganese sulfate andzinc sulfate. It is applied directly to the seed before planting. PlotMax is a commercial product sold by Antler King (Wisconsin). Itcomprises a liquid product diluted in water and applied to new orexisting food plots in the spring or fall. Food plots are areas offorage that farmers keep for wild game such as deer. The activeingredient in Plot Max is humic acid (2%). The fifth, sixth and seventhflats were treated with cobalt lactate in combination with inorganicminerals (matching some of the positive control commercial productinorganic mineral selections) but at increasing levels. The last flat ineach section was treated with chelated minerals, cobalt, zinc, copperand manganese lactate.

The flats were maintained daily and no other intervention was made,other than accommodating for plant sun/shade tolerance differences andweeding as necessary.

TABLE 2 64 Flats, 2 Sq Ft/Flat Miracle-Gro Garden Soil Composite EachFlat, 0.25 CUFT soil Soil Analysis Flat Number 1-56 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 SeedType Food Food Food Food Food Food Food Food Plot Plot Plot Plot PlotPlot Plot Plot Clover Clover Clover Clover Clover Clover Clover CloverMix Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Seed 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6Planted (grams) Seed Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, 2009 Jul. 11, 2009 Jul.11, 2009 Jul. 11, 2009 Jul. 11, 2009 Jul. 11, 2009 Planted (date) 20092009 Seeding 125 125 125 125 125 125 125 125 Rate (#/acre) Soil TreatedJul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, 2009 Jul. 11, 2009 Jul. 11, 2009 Jul. 11,2009 Jul. 11, 2009 Jul. 11, 2009 (date) 2009 2009 Soil Treated NothingDelt Ag Plot Yucca Cobalt Cobalt Cobalt Cobalt (with) S. Coat MaxLactate Lactate Lactate Lactate Mineral Mineral Mineral Mineral Complex1 Complex 1 Complex 1 Complex II Treatment Nothing 18 1920 1529 50 1251238 140 (grams per acre) DM Treat Nothing 18 58 535 50 125 1238 140(grams/acre) Solution Water 0.083/ 0.882/ 0.5/1000 0.23/ 0.574/ 0.5682/0.574/ (grams/mls only 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 H2O) Applied Water10 ml 100 ml 100 ml 10 ml in 10 ml in 100 ml 10 ml (solution in(placebo) in 600 in 600 in 600 600 600 in 600 in 600 H2O) 2nd Part0.069/ (grams/mls 1000* H2O) Applied 10 ml (solution in in 600 H2O) 2ndPart *3% Description min lactate 2nd Part Mn, Chelated Zn, Cu MineralsMineral Application, gm/acre Organic 2.2 5.5 54.5 5.5 cobalt Manganese0.46 0.43 1.08 10.7 1.08 Zinc 0.53 0.49 1.23 12.2 1.23 Copper 0.48 1.211.9 1.2 Organic 5 manganese Organic zinc 5 Organic 5 copper TotalNitrogen (N) Phosphate (P2O5) Potash (K2O) Chelated Iron Molybenum (Mo)Sprouts (post 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 planting days) Plant Harvest Aug. 19, Aug.19, Aug. 19, 2009 Aug. 19, 2009 Aug. 19, 2009 Aug. 19, 2009 Aug. 19,2009 Aug. 19, 2009 Date 2009 2009 Age at Harvest 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39(days) Weight (gms, 66.5 201.66 268.57 261.55 203.43 223.55 302.69247.87 as-is) % of Control 100 303.25 403.86 393.31 305.91 336.17 455.17372.74 Soil Analysis Not Not Not Not Not Not Not Not (dry weight)submitted submitted submitted submitted submitted submitted submittedsubmitted Moisture (%) 52.91 pH 7.1 Aerobic Plate 2.4 Count (Mcfu/g)Anaerobic 0.1 Plate Count (Mcfu/g) Azotobacter 3 (Mcfu/g) Microbial 245Activity (ug/10 g soil/day) Total Nitrogen 1.13 (N, %) Ammonia 0Nitrogen (%) Nitrate nd Nitrogen (%) Organic 1.06 Nitrogen (%)Phosphorus 0.23 (P2O5, %) Potassium 0.25 (K2O, %) Sulfur (S, %) 0.36Calcium (Ca, 4.44 %) Magnesium 1.83 (Mg, %) Sodium (Na, 0.02 %) Copper(Cu, nd ppm) Iron (Fe, ppm) 7539 Manganese 200 (Mn, ppm) Zinc (Zn, ppm)65.8 Total salts (per 3.61 ton) Total Carbon 25.63 (%) C/N Ratio 22.8:1Chloride nd Growth Media Extracts pH 7.5 Soluble salts 4.1 (mS/cm)Nitrate 246 nitrogen (mg/L) Phosphorus 0.7 (P, mg/L) Potassium 294 (K,mg/L) Calcium (Ca, 578 mg/L) Magnesium 210 (mg, mg/L) Sodium (Na, 91mg/L) Plant Cuttings mixed forage (DW basis) Moisture (%) 85.22 85.3585.89 85.82 85.75 83.38 84.88 83.96 Dry Matter (%) 14.78 14.65 14.1114.18 14.25 16.62 15.12 16.04 Crude Protein 12.6 12.4 12.9 12.4 13.512.6 11.8 12.3 (%) Crude Fat (%) Acid Detergent 35.2 35.1 35.3 37.5 40.433 35.5 40.3 Fiber (%) Ash (%) Total 62.4 62.5 62.3 59.8 56.5 64.9 62.156.6 digestible nutrients (%) Net energy- 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.61 0.57 0.670.64 0.58 lactation (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.59 0.55 0.650.61 0.55 maint. (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.35 0.32 0.380.34 0.32 gain (Mcal/lb) Digestible Energy (Mcal/lb) Metabolizableenergy (Mcal/lb) Sulfur (%) 0.57 0.55 0.59 0.5 0.54 0.5 0.55 0.47Phosphorus 0.52 0.34 0.36 0.29 0.32 0.29 0.33 0.29 (%) Potassium (%)4.61 5.2 5.37 4.39 4.45 4.26 4.96 4.7 Magnesium 1.04 1 0.94 0.86 0.831.03 0.99 0.84 (%) Calcium (%) 2.09 1.94 1.87 1.82 1.97 2.08 2.11 1.75Sodium (%) 0.07 0.09 0.1 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.08 0.07 Iron (ppm) 69 64 65 5964 62 60 63 Manganese 18 19 17 23 23 23 24 19 (ppm) Copper (ppm) 7 5 6 56 6 7 5 Zinc (ppm) 106 89 80 81 92 85 89 81 Cobalt (ppm) 1.8 0.9 0.510.49 0.48 0.36 0.38 0.26

The Delt Ag flat may be considered the control. Regardless, the flatwith the highest growth was Number 7, treated with 1238 grams of a mixof chelated cobalt and inorganic manganese, copper and zinc. Of all thetreatments, it had the best response, about 50% ahead of thecommercialized Delt Ag soil treatment product that contains minerals butno chelated cobalt. It along with all the other flats in this series wasplanted at 2.6 grams/flat, the same seeding rate that the 2008 grass wasplanted at.

Of interest in this series is Number 8 flat, treated with a combinationof mineral lactates that include not only cobalt, but manganese, copperand zinc lactates yielding mineral concentrations as shown in the table.This combination is termed cobalt lactate mineral complex 2. Note thatthe growth was ahead of Number 2 flat, the Delt Ag product.

All of the plants harvested from each section were submitted for foragetesting. Mineral uptake by the plants was measured and observed forpossible compositional changes in the plants that might lead todifferences in plant-available energy/nutrients. Flat 6, treated withchelated minerals, cobalt, zinc, copper and manganese lactate at 125grams/acre appears to have a meaningful increase in total digestiblenutrients.

TABLE 3 64 Flats, 2 Sq Ft/Flat Miracle-Gro Garden Soil Composite EachFlat, 0.25 CUFT soil Soil Analysis Flat Number 1-56 9 10 11 12 13 14 1516 Seed Type Food Food Food Food Food Food Food Food Plot Plot Plot PlotPlot Plot Plot Plot Clover Clover Clover Clover Clover Clover CloverClover Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Seed 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.25.2 Planted (grams) Seed Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11,Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, 2009 Planted (date) 2009 2009 2009 2009 20092009 2009 Seeding 249 249 249 249 249 249 249 249 Rate (#/acre) SoilTreated Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11,Jul. 11, 2009 (date) 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Soil NothingDelt Plot Yucca Cobalt Cobalt Cobalt COBALT Treated Ag S. Max LactateLactate Lactate LACTATE (with) Coat Mineral Mineral Mineral MINERALComplex 1 Complex 1 Complex 1 COMPLEX 2 Treatment Nothing 18 1920 152950 125 1238 140 (grams per acre) DM Treat Nothing 18 58 535 50 125 1238140 (grams/acre) Solution Water 0.083/ 0.882/ 0.5/ 0.23/ 0.574/ 0.5682/0.574/ (grams/mls only 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 H2O) AppliedWater 10 ml 100 ml 100 ml 10 ml in 10 ml in 100 ml 10 ml in (solution in(placebo) in 600 in 600 in 600 600 600 in 600 600 H2O) 2nd Part 0.069/(grams/mls 1000* H2O) Applied 10 ml in (solution in 600 H2O) 2nd Part*3% min Description lactate 2nd Part Mn, Zn, Chelated Cu MineralsMineral Application, gm/acre Organic 2.2 5.5 54.5 5.5 cobalt Manganese0.46 0.43 1.08 10.7 1.08 Zinc 0.53 0.49 1.23 12.2 1.23 Copper 0.48 1.211.9 1.2 Organic 5 manganese Organic 5 zinc Organic 5 copper TotalNitrogen (N) Phosphate (P2O5) Potash (K2O) Chelated Iron Molybenum (Mo)Sprouts (post 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 planting days) Plant Harvest Aug. 16, Aug.16, Aug. 16, Aug. 16, Aug. 16, Aug. 16, Aug. 16, Aug. 16, 2009 Date 20092009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Age at oi 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 Harvest(days) Weight (gms, 132.07 231.98 193.82 248.28 261.66 207.52 184.196.32 as-is) % of Control 100 175.65 146.76 187.99 198.12 157.13 139.4072.93 Soil Analysis Submitted Submitted Submitted Submitted SubmittedSubmitted Submitted Submitted (dry weight) Moisture (%) 52.91 65.3 53.759.26 56.3 54.22 55.7 51.94 57.64 pH 7.1 7.5 7.3 7.5 7.6 7.5 7.6 7.5 7.6Aerobic Plate 2.4 15 13 14 18 20 7.5 10 20 Count (Mcfu/g) Anaerobic 0.11.2 0.32 0.63 1 0.51 0.48 1.3 0.63 Plate Count (Mcfu/g) Azotobacter 3125 17 81 31 44 22 62 92 (Mcfu/g) Microbial 245 2156 1573 1754 1577 20431699 1823 1721 Activity (ug/10 g soil/day) Total 1.13 1.07 1.23 1.25 1.11.09 1.22 1.12 1.2 Nitrogen (N, %) Ammonia 0 0.01 0.01 0.02 nd 0.03 0.010.01 0.01 Nitrogen (%) Nitrate nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd Nitrogen (%)Organic 1.06 1.06 1.22 1.23 1.1 1.06 1.21 1.11 1.19 Nitrogen (%)Phosphorus 0.23 0.32 0.3 0.27 0.25 nd 0.27 0.25 0.28 (P2O5, %) Potassium0.25 nd nd nd nd nd nd nd Nd (K2O, %) Sulfur (S, %) 0.36 0.4 0.41 0.420.48 0.37 0.41 0.37 0.4 Calcium (Ca, 4.44 7.72 4.41 8.2 6 7.36 5.78 3.564.08 %) Magnesium 1.83 3.6 1.64 3.53 2.43 3.6 2.51 1.31 1.49 (Mg, %)Sodium (Na, 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.02 0.04 0.05 %) Copper (Cu,nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd Nd ppm) Iron (Fe, ppm) 7539 7565 8475 8623 79527237 7226 7039 8050 Manganese 200 245 326 280 220 199 208 198 224 (Mn,ppm) Zinc (Zn, ppm) 65.8 86.5 90.7 85.9 107.6 67.7 74.5 81.1 111 Totalsalts 3.61 4.3 3.39 5.3 4.17 5.54 4.22 2.9 2.89 (per ton) Total Carbon25.63 26.6 25.01 25.85 24.87 21.91 25.37 23.85 27.41 (%) C/N Ratio22.8:1 24.9:1 20.3:1 20.6:1 22.6:1 20.1:1 20.8:1 21.2:1 22.8:1 Chloridend nd nd nd nd nd nd nd Nd Growth Media Extracts pH 7.5 Soluble 4.1salts (mS/cm) Nitrate 246 nitrogen (mg/L) Phosphorus 0.7 (P, mg/L)Potassium 294 (K, mg/L) Calcium 578 (Ca, mg/L) Magnesium 210 (mg, mg/L)Sodium 91 (Na, mg/L) Plant Cuttings mixed forage (DW basis) Moisture (%)86.21 83.4 87.54 85.68 87.21 88.2 88.11 86.78 Dry Matter 13.79 16.612.46 14.32 12.79 11.8 11.89 13.22 (%) Crude Protein 14.5 14.5 15.4 15.614.1 19.8 17.9 16.4 (%) Crude Fat (%) Acid 26.7 17.5 24.5 28 24.5 37.133.1 34.8 Detergent Fiber (%) Ash (%) Total 72.1 82.6 74.6 70.6 74.660.2 64.8 62.9 digestible nutrients (%) Net energy- 0.75 0.87 0.78 0.730.78 0.62 0.67 0.65 lactation (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.74 0.86 0.77 0.720.77 0.59 0.65 0.62 maint. (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.48 0.58 0.51 0.460.51 0.35 0.37 0.35 gain (Mcal/lb) Digestible Energy (Mcal/lb)Metabolizable energy (Mcal/lb) Sulfur (%) 0.6 0.52 0.58 0.67 0.5 0.580.7 0.69 Phosphorus 0.3 0.29 0.41 0.34 0.32 0.36 0.4 0.35 (%) Potassium(%) 3.76 5.48 5.67 4.74 5.75 6.47 5.73 4.9 Magnesium 0.74 0.8 0.91 0.890.79 0.89 0.93 0.81 (%) Calcium (%) 1.99 1.69 2.01 2.19 1.82 1.85 2.12.01 Sodium (%) 0.09 0.07 0.08 0.11 0.08 0.1 0.1 0.11 Iron (ppm) 311 7371 105 87 84 93 112 Manganese 39 24 25 25 23 20 25 20 (ppm) Copper (ppm)11 9 9 7 7 8 8 7 Zinc (ppm) 104 72 94 76 76 80 94 96 Cobalt (ppm) 0.340.14 0.14 0.18 0.18 0.14 0.29 0.17

The next series of flats also includes the mixture of clovers, butplanted at 5.2 grams/flat versus 2.6 grams/flat. The written andqualitative description given by the Fast & Fine Grass seed manufacturerwas followed to establish the 2.6 and 5.2 grams seed/flat. In thisseries Flat 13 utilized the chelated minerals, cobalt, zinc, copper andmanganese lactate planted at 50 grams/acre, which had the best response,about 200% of the control growth weight at cutting. These flats wereharvested at 36 days of age, compared to 39 days of age in Flats 1-8.Flats had to be staged in harvesting as there was a lot of work gettingthem prepared for shipment. All harvested plants after cutting in thegreenhouse were weighed first in the lab, frozen in zip lock bags thenforwarded frozen to the lab for testing. Soils if to be sent to the labwere separated from plant roots, collected, placed in zip lock bags andsent immediately to the lab for testing

The 50 grams/flat was chosen as a level because it matched prettyclosely the per acre coverage of inorganic minerals presented with theDelt Ag product (for manganese and zinc). This demonstrates the power ofthe chelated cobalt when all other things are the same (13% ahead ofthat positive control).

Of interest in this series of flats was that Flat 13 apparentlyexhausted all the available phosphorus from the soil. The soil used forall flats was complete in nitrogen, phosphorus and potash and there wasenough to last 3 to 4 months, but not for Flat 13.

TABLE 4 64 Flats, 2 Sq Ft/Flat Miracle-Gro Garden Soil Composite EachFlat, 0.25 CUFT soil Soil Analysis Flat Number 1-56 17 18 19 20 21 22 2324 Seed Type Fast & Fast & Fast & Fast & Fast & Fast & Fast & Fast &Fine Fine Fine Fine Fine Fine Fine Fine Seed 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.62.6 Planted (grams) Seed Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11,Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Planted (date) 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 20092009 2009 Seeding 125 125 125 125 125 125 125 125 Rate (#/acre) SoilTreated Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11,Jul. 11, (date) 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Soil NothingDelt Plot Yucca Cobalt Cobalt Cobalt COBALT Treated Ag S. Max LactateLactate Lactate LACTATE (with) Coat Mineral Mineral Mineral MINERALComplex 1 Complex 1 Complex 1 COMPLEX 2 Treatment Nothing 18 1920 152950 125 1238 140 (grams per acre) DM Treat Nothing 18 58 535 50 125 1238140 (grams/acre) Solution Water 0.083/ 0.882/ 0.5/ 0.23/ 0.574/ 0.5682/0.574/ (grams/mls only 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 H2O) AppliedWater 10 ml 100 ml 100 ml 10 ml in 10 ml in 100 ml 10 ml in (solution in(placebo) in 600 in 600 in 600 600 600 in 600 600 H2O) 2nd Part 0.069/(grams/mls 1000* H2O) Applied 10 ml in (solution in 600 H2O) 2nd Part*3% min Description lactate 2nd Part Mn, Zn, Chelated Cu MineralsMineral Application, gm/acre Organic 2.2 5.5 54.5 5.5 cobalt Manganese0.46 0.43 1.08 10.7 1.08 Zinc 0.53 0.49 1.23 12.2 1.23 Copper 0.48 1.211.9 1.2 Organic 5 manganese Organic 5 zinc Organic 5 copper TotalNitrogen (N) Phosphate (P2O5) Potash (K2O) Chelated Iron Molybenum (Mo)Sprouts (post 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 planting days) Plant Harvest Aug. 29, Aug.29, Aug. 29, Aug. 29, Aug. 29, Aug. 29, Aug. 29, Aug. 29, Date 2009 20092009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Age at 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 Harvest(days) Weight (gms, 42.95 52.68 49.27 52.93 49.07 98.69 107.77 45.38as-is) % of Control 100 122.65 114.71 123.24 114.25 229.78 250.92 105.66Soil Analysis Submitted Submitted Submitted Submitted SubmittedSubmitted Submitted Submitted (dry weight) Moisture (%) 52.91 44.9457.58 54.17 58.75 52.92 52.5 54.61 53 pH 7.1 7.4 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.7 7.77.7 Aerobic Plate 2.4 9.8 8.3 5.6 3.3 7.9 10.4 12.3 10.1 Count (Mcfu/g)Anaerobic 0.1 0.36 0.39 0.26 0.12 0.29 0.3 0.49 0.71 Plate Count(Mcfu/g) Azotobacter 3 3.6 5.2 4.6 3.2 1.6 26 10.2 5.8 (Mcfu/g)Microbial 245 1456 1771 1903 1926 1619 1692 1732 1556 Activity (ug/10 gsoil/day) Total 1.13 1.04 1.32 1.11 1.36 1.08 1.26 1.17 1.15 Nitrogen(N, %) Ammonia 0 0 nd nd nd nd nd nd nd Nitrogen (%) Nitrate nd nd nd ndnd nd nd nd nd Nitrogen (%) Organic 1.06 1.03 1.32 1.11 1.31 1.08 1.261.17 1.15 Nitrogen (%) Phosphorus 0.23 0.25 0.33 0.35 0.34 0.34 0.340.31 0.3 (P2O5, %) Potassium 0.25 nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd (K2O, %)Sulfur (S, %) 0.36 0.35 0.5 0.46 0.51 0.47 0.53 0.44 0.55 Calcium (Ca,4.44 6.27 5.8 5.06 5.99 5.33 5.03 5.22 7.79 %) Magnesium 1.83 2.74 2.311.7 2.3 2.08 1.73 1.96 3.49 (Mg, %) Sodium (Na, 0.02 0.02 0.02 nd 0.020.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 %) Copper (Cu, nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd ppm) Iron(Fe, ppm) 7539 7123 9974 8809 11576 10514 10322 9969 11702 Manganese 200232 264 253 272 268 288 251 353 (Mn, ppm) Zinc (Zn, ppm) 65.8 70.8 103.787.3 106.7 99.8 113.7 94.7 106.4 Total salts 3.61 5.54 4.01 3.61 3.994.01 3.82 3.8 5.85 (per ton) Total Carbon 25.63 20.21 26.9 24.15 28.923.13 26.55 25.47 25.09 (%) C/N Ratio 22.8:1 19.5:1 20.4:1 21.7:1 21.3:121.4:1 21:01 21.8:1 21.8:1 Chloride nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd GrowthMedia Extracts pH 7.5 7.9 7.8 7.8 7.6 7.8 7.8 8 7.2 Soluble 4.1 2.011.58 2.1 2.19 2.41 2.64 2.35 1.32 salts (mS/cm) Nitrate 246 1 0 0 0 5 20 0 nitrogen (mg/L) Phosphorus 0.7 0.3 0.3 0.4 1 0.4 0.7 0.4 0.8 (P,mg/L) Potassium 294 43 59 44 47 57 70 40 47 (K, mg/L) Calcium 578 230306 315 282 358 397 361 329 (Ca, mg/L) Magnesium 210 89 118 120 110 138156 138 127 (mg, mg/L) Sodium 91 33 48 36 36 42 62 43 38 (Na, mg/L)Plant Cuttings mixed forage (DW basis) Moisture (%) 77.64 77.9 77.0975.85 75.27 76.99 77.16 74.4 Dry Matter 22.36 22.1 22.91 24.15 24.7323.01 22.84 25.6 (%) Crude Protein 12.4 12.8 11.7 10.6 9.6 11.1 12 10.7(%) Crude Fat (%) 2.15 1.4 2.11 1.35 1.58 2.27 2.03 1.39 Acid 23 22.823.1 24.9 22.9 25.9 24.9 22.7 Detergent Fiber (%) Ash (%) 13.8 10.4 14.910.7 10.5 10.9 11.2 10.2 Total 62 64.4 61.2 64.2 64.9 64 63.8 64.9digestible nutrients (%) Net energy- 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.78 0.8 0.76 0.78 0.8lactation (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.63 0.66 0.62 0.66 0.67 0.65 0.65 0.67maint. (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.35 0.39 0.34 0.38 0.39 0.38 0.38 0.4 gain(Mcal/lb) Digestible 1.24 1.29 1.23 1.28 1.3 1.28 1.28 1.3 Energy(Mcal/lb) Metabolizable 1.16 1.2 1.15 1.2 1.22 1.2 1.19 1.22 energy(Mcal/lb) Sulfur (%) 0.35 0.37 0.32 0.35 0.31 0.34 0.46 0.36 Phosphorus0.38 0.39 0.36 0.41 0.35 0.34 0.35 0.32 (%) Potassium (%) 3.45 3.5 3.322.9 2.73 3.19 3.43 2.77 Magnesium 0.44 0.44 0.45 0.43 0.38 0.4 0.49 0.41(%) Calcium (%) 0.96 1.02 1.07 0.96 0.86 0.95 1.3 0.85 Sodium (%) 0.060.07 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.06 Iron (ppm) 61 58 55 56 72 63 79 54Manganese 37 38 37 45 53 57 63 45 (ppm) Copper (ppm) 5 6 5 5 4 6 5 4Zinc (ppm) 89 91 92 80 79 94 122 73 Cobalt (ppm) 6.6 4.1 3.5 3.7 3.55.92 5.43 1.1

The next series of flats, numbered 17 through 24 summarized in Table 4,contained the seeds used from the Fast & Fine Grass, noted in Table 1.

The results were the same with the cobalt lactate treated flats havingthe highest grass weights. Flats 23 and 22 had the best growth, over200% of the control. Flat 23 was treated with 1238 grams/acre CobaltLactate Mineral Complex I and Flat 22 at 250 grams acre with CobaltLactate Mineral Complex I. Flat 23 was planted at exactly the sameapplication rate of cobalt lactate as in 2008, 1 ppm based upon soil,and led the series at 251% of the control flat. Cobalt Lactate MineralComplex I contains cobalt lactate, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate,copper sulfate, Yucca extract, hemicellulose extract, Enzyme W, Porzymeand dextrose.

In those two flats the total aerobic plate count and Azotobacter countsurged in numbers over all other treatments, the control and thebaseline soil composite soil sample. It is clear in this series of flatsthat the relationship between soil microbes and growth iscause-and-effect; hence the support for the relationship between cobaltlactate and microbial populations that support plant growth. This is thesecond year now that 1 ppm cobalt lactate applied to the soil hasresulted in double the grass growth.

The higher level of soil treatment minerals, at least in part, from thehigher application rate of chelated minerals, cobalt, zinc, copper andmanganese lactate in Flat 23 resulted in increased minerals being takenup by the grass in that flat. A look at the data shows that sulfur,magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc and cobalt were all higher orin the high-end range of plant mineral content for Flat 23 against allother treatments. The formulation includes chelated minerals, cobalt,zinc, copper and manganese lactate, hence the increased sulfur content(also important for plant growth), a small amount of Yucca extract, twoenzymes and larch arabinogalactan. All of the combined effects may beadding to increased mineral transport from the soil to the plant,increasing available magnesium and calcium. Iron is also found in thecobalt carbonate raw material that is reacted with lactic acid to formcobalt lactate, hence the increased iron content, again, at least inpart.

TABLE 5 64 Flats, 2 Sq Ft/Flat Miracle-Gro Garden Soil Composite EachFlat, 0.25 CUFT soil Soil Analysis Flat Number 1-56 25 26 27 28 29 30 3132 Seed Type Food Food Food Food Food Food Food Food Plot Plot Plot PlotPlot Plot Plot Plot Forage Forage Forage Forage Forage Forage ForageForage Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Seed Planted 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.25.2 5.2 5.2 (grams) Seed Planted Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11,Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, (date) 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 20092009 2009 Seeding Rate 249 249 249 249 249 249 249 249 (#/acre) SoilTreated Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11,Jul. 11, (date) 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Soil TreatedNothing Delt Plot Yucca cobalt Cobalt Cobalt COBALT (with) Ag S. MaxLactate Lactate Lactate LACTATE Coat Mineral Mineral Mineral MINERALComplex 1 Complex 1 Complex 1 COMPLEX 2 Treatment Nothing 18 1920 152950 125 1238 140 (grams per acre) DM Treat Nothing 18 58 535 50 125 1238140 (grams/acre) Solution Water 0.083/ 0.882/ 0.5/ 0.23/ 0.574/ 0.5682/0.574/ (grams/mls only 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 H2O) AppliedWater 10 ml 100 ml 100 ml 10 ml in 10 ml in 100 ml 10 ml in (solution in(placebo) in 600 in 600 in 600 600 600 in 600 600 H2O) 2nd Part 0.069/(grams/mls 1000* H2O) Applied 10 ml in (solution in 600 H2O) 2nd Part*3% min Description lactate 2nd Part Mn, Zn, Chelated Cu MineralsMineral Application, gm/acre Organic 2.2 5.5 54.5 5.5 cobalt Manganese0.46 0.43 1.08 10.7 1.08 Zinc 0.53 0.49 1.23 12.2 1.23 Copper 0.48 1.211.9 1.2 Organic 5 manganese Organic zinc 5 Organic 5 copper TotalNitrogen (N) Phosphate (P2O5) Potash (K2O) Chelated Iron Molybenum (Mo)Sprouts (post 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 planting days) Plant Harvest Aug. 12, Aug.23, Aug. 23, Aug. 23, Aug. 23, Aug. 23, Aug. 23, Aug. 23, Date 2009 20092009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Age at Harvest lost 43 43 43 43 43 43 43(days) Weight (gms, vandalism 123.75 221.03 512.46 448.78 428.12 389.88189.51 as-is) % of Control 100 178.61 414.11 362.65 345.96 315.05 153.14Soil Analysis Not Not Not Not Not submitted Not submitted Not submittedNot submitted (dry weight) submitted submitted submitted submittedMoisture (%) 52.91 pH 7.1 Aerobic Plate 2.4 Count (Mcfu/g) AnaerobicPlate 0.1 Count (Mcfu/g) Azotobacter 3 (Mcfu/g) Microbial 245 Activity(ug/10 g soil/day) Total Nitrogen 1.13 (N, %) Ammonia 0 Nitrogen (%)Nitrate nd Nitrogen (%) Organic 1.06 Nitrogen (%) Phosphorus 0.23 (P2O5,%) Potassium 0.25 (K2O, %) Sulfur (S, %) 0.36 Calcium (Ca, %) 4.44Magnesium 1.83 (Mg, %) Sodium (Na, %) 0.02 Copper (Cu, nd ppm) Iron (Fe,ppm) 7539 Manganese 200 (Mn, ppm) Zinc (Zn, ppm) 65.8 Total salts (per3.61 ton) Total Carbon 25.63 (%) C/N Ratio 22.8:1 Chloride nd GrowthMedia Extracts pH 7.5 Soluble salts 4.1 (mS/cm) Nitrate 246 nitrogen(mg/L) Phosphorus 0.7 (P, mg/L) Potassium 294 (K, mg/L) Calcium (Ca, 578mg/L) Magnesium 210 (mg, mg/L) Sodium (Na, 91 mg/L) Plant Cuttings mixedVandalized forage (DW basis) Moisture (%) 78.97 79.11 83.75 84.94 84.3884.64 82.41 Dry Matter (%) 21.03 20.89 16.25 15.06 15.62 15.54 17.59Crude Protein 8.39 8.1 8.57 8.34 9.21 8.93 9.69 (%) Crude Fat (%) 2.282.36 3.42 3.21 2.64 2.4 2.5 Acid Detergent 16.3 17.8 21.6 20.1 18.9 22.726.3 Fiber (%) Ash (%) 11.9 13 11.9 13.1 13 12.9 13.7 Total digestible65 64 64.4 63.7 63.7 63.2 61.9 nutrients (%) Net energy-lactation 0.880.86 0.81 0.83 0.85 0.8 0.75 (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.67 0.65 0.66 0.650.65 0.64 0.63 maint. (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.4 0.38 0.39 0.38 0.38 0.370.35 gain (Mcal/lb) Digestible 1.3 1.28 1.29 1.27 1.27 1.26 1.24 Energy(Mcal/lb) Metabolizable energy 1.23 1.21 1.21 1.2 1.2 1.19 1.16(Mcal/lb) Sulfur (%) 1.13 1.03 0.88 0.92 0.92 0.83 1.04 Phosphorus (%)0.38 0.28 0.35 0.35 0.38 0.36 0.4 Potassium (%) 2.14 2.18 2.91 2.92 3.022.89 3.02 Magnesium (%) 0.68 0.67 0.57 0.62 0.6 0.56 0.68 Calcium (%)2.89 2.89 2.9 3.07 2.86 2.84 3.15 Sodium (%) 0.13 0.17 0.08 0.1 0.090.09 0.12 Iron (ppm) 42 36 80 43 43 52 56 Manganese 20 20 27 27 30 33 22(ppm) Copper (ppm) 3 2 2 2 3 2 3 Zinc (ppm) 65 80 93 110 88 93 93 Cobalt(ppm) 3.12 5.9 4.35 4.67 4.3 2.75 4.08

Flats 25-32 are those in the next series, which include a combination ofseeds that includes Green Globe Turnips, Dwarf Essex Forage Rapeseed,Rangi Forage and Giant Rapeseed. They are largely sold to land owners tosupport wild life.

The best performances in this series of flats were numbers 28, 29 and30, respectively. Flat 26 treated with Delt Ag was used as the control.With that in mind, flats 28, 29 and 30 were about 300 to 400% of thecontrol and looked pretty remarkable compared to it.

Flats 29 and 30 were treated with chelated minerals, cobalt, zinc,copper and manganese lactate at 50 and 125 grams/acre, respectively.However, the best flat in the series was treated with a Yucca extract.The literature on Yucca and improved plant performance relates to soiltreatment and improved permeability of plant cells to growth media inthe soil. Of the seven series of flats that were treated with Yuccaextract and the chelated minerals, cobalt, zinc, copper and manganeselactate, Yucca performed best in two of those series.

TABLE 6 64 Flats, 2 Sq Ft/Flat Miracle-Gro Garden Soil Composite EachFlat, 0.25 CUFT soil Soil Analysis Flat Number 1-56 33 34 35 36 37 38 3940 Seed Type Food Food Food Food Food Food Food Food Plot Plot Plot PlotPlot Plot Plot Plot Grain Mix Grain Grain Grain Grain Grain Grain GrainMix Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Seed 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 Planted(grams) Seed Jul. 11, 2009 Jul. 11, 2009 Jul. 11, 2009 Jul. 11, 2009Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Planted 2009 2009 2009 2009 (date)Seeding 249 249 249 249 249 249 249 249 Rate (#/acre) Soil Treated Jul.11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11,(date) 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Soil Nothing Delt Ag PlotYucca Cobalt Cobalt Cobalt COBALT Treated S. Coat Max Lactate LactateLactate LACTATE (with) Mineral Mineral Mineral MINERAL Complex 1 Complex1 Complex 1 COMPLEX 2 Treatment Nothing 18 1920 1529 50 125 1238 140(grams per acre) DM Treat Nothing 18 58 535 50 125 1238 140 (grams/acre)Solution Water 0.083/1000 0.882/1000 0.5/1000 0.23/1000 0.574/10000.5682/1000 0.574/1000  (grams/mls only H2O) Applied Water 10 ml 100 ml100 ml 10 ml in 10 ml in 100 ml 10 ml in (solution in (placebo) in 600in 600 in 600 600 600 in 600 600 H2O) 2nd Part 0.069/1000* (grams/mlsH2O) Applied 10 ml in (solution in 600 H2O) 2nd Part *3% min Descriptionlactate 2nd Part Mn, Zn, Chelated Cu Minerals Mineral Application,gm/acre Organic 2.2 5.5 54.5 5.5 cobalt Manganese 0.46 0.43 1.08 10.71.08 Zinc 0.53 0.49 1.23 12.2 1.23 Copper 0.48 1.2 11.9 1.2 Organic 5manganese Organic 5 zinc Organic 5 copper Total Nitrogen (N) Phosphate(P2O5) Potash (K2O) Chelated Iron Molybenum (Mo) Sprouts 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2(post planting days) Plant Aug. 15, Aug. 15, Aug. 15, Aug. 15, Aug. 15,Aug. 12, Aug. 12, Aug. 12, Harvest 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 20092009 Date Age at 35 35 35 35 35 lost lost lost Harvest (days) Weight426.28 442.08 355.57 353.26 492.63 vandalism vandalism vandalism (gms,as-is) % of Control 100 103.71 83.41 82.87 115.56 Soil AnalysisSubmitted Submitted Submitted Submitted Submitted N/A N/A N/A (dryweight) Moisture (%) 52.91 64.27 54.48 62.92 58.91 60.35 pH 7.1 7.6 7.67.5 7.5 7.5 Aerobic 2.4 19 25 21 13 5 Plate Count (Mcfu/g) Anaerobic 0.10.83 0.73 0.53 0.7 0.91 Plate Count (Mcfu/g) Azotobacter 3 60 111 37 5561 (Mcfu/g) Microbial 245 2255 2287 2216 2021 2069 Activity (ug/10 gsoil/day) Total 1.13 1.23 1.19 1.32 1.34 1.21 Nitrogen (N, %) Ammonia 00.01 0 nd nd 0 Nitrogen (%) Nitrate nd nd nd nd nd nd Nitrogen (%)Organic 1.06 1.23 1.18 1.32 1.34 1.21 Nitrogen (%) Phosphorus 0.23 0.310.24 0.3 0.27 nd (P2O5, %) Potassium 0.25 nd nd nd nd nd (K2O, %) Sulfur(S, %) 0.36 0.45 0.37 0.51 0.44 0.48 Calcium (Ca, 4.44 4.42 3.67 7.044.33 9.96 %) Magnesium 1.83 1.68 1.32 3.18 1.53 3.98 (Mg, %) Sodium (Na,0.02 0.03 0.02 0.16 0.05 0.05 %) Copper (Cu, nd nd nd nd nd nd ppm) Iron(Fe, 7539 8741 7377 8862 8866 8971 ppm) Manganese 200 227 209 243 221245 (Mn, ppm) Zinc (Zn, 65.8 98 96.7 94.4 94.9 90.8 ppm) Total salts3.61 2.63 2.82 4.34 2.98 6.03 (per ton) Total Carbon 25.63 26.14 24.6326.86 27.77 25.3 (%) C/N Ratio 22.8:1 21.2:1 20.8:1 20.3:1 20.7:1 20.9:1Chloride nd nd nd nd nd nd Growth Media Extracts pH 7.5 Soluble 4.1salts (mS/cm) Nitrate 246 nitrogen (mg/L) Phosphorus 0.7 (P, mg/L)Potassium 294 (K, mg/L) Calcium 578 (Ca, mg/L) Magnesium 210 (mg, mg/L)Sodium 91 (Na, mg/L) Plant Cuttings mixed Vandalism Vandalism Vandalismforage (DW basis) Moisture (%) 84.7 84.01 83.35 84.67 83.6 Dry Matter15.3 15.99 16.65 15.33 16.4 (%) Crude 6.96 5.81 7.14 6.39 7.08 Protein(%) Crude Fat (%) Acid 34.4 33.8 29.5 36.8 30.4 Detergent Fiber (%) Ash(%) Total 63.3 64 68.9 60.6 67.9 digestible nutrients (%) Netenergy-lactation 0.65 0.66 0.71 0.62 0.7 (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.63 0.640.7 0.6 0.68 maint. (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.35 0.36 0.43 0.36 0.42 gain(Mcal/lb) Digestible Energy (Mcal/lb) Metabolizable energy (Mcal/lb)Sulfur (%) 0.39 0.29 0.33 0.3 0.28 Phosphorus 0.25 0.23 0.25 0.24 0.19(%) Potassium 3.43 3.14 3.38 3.25 3.07 (%) Magnesium 0.55 0.47 0.48 0.430.47 (%) Calcium (%) 1.11 0.88 0.87 0.86 0.89 Sodium (%) 0.05 0.03 0.040.03 0.03 Iron (ppm) 101 61 54 35 56 Manganese 20 15 9 6 9 (ppm) Copper13 8 4 3 3 (ppm) Zinc (ppm) 50 39 42 34 36 Cobalt 0.9 0.29 0.27 0.15 0.2(ppm)

The next series of flats includes the Food Plot Grain Mix, a combinationof seeds for game as described earlier. The plants were over three feettall. The chelated minerals, cobalt, zinc, copper and manganese lactateat 50 grams per acre was significantly ahead of all the other treatmentsand control.

TABLE 7 64 Flats, 2 Sq Ft/Flat Miracle-Gro Garden Soil Composite EachFlat, 0.25 CUFT soil Soil Analysis Flat Number 1-56 41 42 43 44 45 46 4748 Seed Type Alfalfa Alfalfa Alfalfa Alfalfa Alfalfa Alfalfa AlfalfaAlfalfa (Vernal) (Vernal) (Vernal) (Vernal) (Vernal) (Vernal) (Vernal)(Vernal) Seed 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 Planted (grams) Seed Jul.11, 2009 Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, 2009 Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul.11, Planted 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 (date) Seeding 249 249 249 249249 249 249 249 Rate (#/acre) Soil Treated Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11,Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, (date) 2009 2009 2009 20092009 2009 2009 2009 Soil Nothing Delt Ag Plot Yucca Cobalt Cobalt CobaltCOBALT Treated S. Coat Max Lactate Lactate Lactate LACTATE (with)Mineral Mineral Mineral MINERAL Complex 1 Complex 1 Complex 1 COMPLEX 2Treatment Nothing 18 1920 1529 50 125 1238 140 (grams per acre) DM TreatNothing 18 58 535 50 125 1238 140 (grams/acre) Solution Water 0.083/10000.882/1000 0.5/1000 0.23/1000 0.574/1000 0.5682/1000 0.574/1000 (grams/mls only H2O) Applied Water 10 ml in 100 ml 100 ml 10 ml in 10 mlin 100 ml 10 ml in (solution in (placebo) 600 in 600 in 600 600 600 in600 600 H2O) 2nd Part 0.069/1000* (grams/mls H2O) Applied 10 ml in(solution in 600 H2O) 2nd Part *3% min Description lactate 2nd Part Mn,Zn, Chelated Cu Minerals Mineral Application, gm/acre Organic 2.2 5.554.5 5.5 cobalt Manganese 0.46 0.43 1.08 10.7 1.08 Zinc 0.53 0.49 1.2312.2 1.23 Copper 0.48 1.2 11.9 1.2 Organic 5 manganese Organic 5 zincOrganic 5 copper Total Nitrogen (N) Phosphate (P2O5) Potash (K2O)Chelated Iron Molybenum (Mo) Sprouts 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (post plantingdays) Plant Aug. 25, Aug. 25, Aug. 25, Aug. 25, Aug. 25, Aug. 25, Aug.25, Aug. 25, Harvest 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Date Age at45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 Harvest (days) Weight 198.02 198.85 231.52205.83 227.66 209.69 263.44 185.64 (gms, as-is) % of Control 100 100.42116.92 103.94 114.97 105.89 133.04 93.75 Soil Analysis SubmittedSubmitted Submitted Submitted Submitted Submitted Submitted Submitted(dry weight) Moisture 52.91 43.14 49.94 47.12 48.71 47.35 46.91 50.5153.48 (%) pH 7.1 7.5 7.7 7.6 7.6 7.7 7.6 7.6 7.6 Aerobic 2.4 1.3 4.4 2.14 3.3 2.2 2.1 2 Plate Count (Mcfu/g) Anaerobic 0.1 0.15 0.24 0.07 0.0740.082 0.21 0.07 0.042 Plate Count (Mcfu/g) Azotobacter 3 33 55 33 43 129 29 26 (Mcfu/g) Microbial 245 1891 2264 2149 2029 1995 1169 2387 2011Activity (ug/10 g soil/day) Total 1.13 1.23 1.44 1.44 1.52 1.52 1.491.33 1.53 Nitrogen (N, %) Ammonia 0 nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd Nitrogen (%)Nitrate nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd Nitrogen (%) Organic 1.06 1.23 1.441.44 1.52 1.52 1.49 1.33 1.53 Nitrogen (%) Phosphorus 0.23 0.23 0.220.25 0.27 0.32 0.26 0.32 0.28 (P2O5, %) Potassium 0.25 nd nd nd nd nd ndnd nd (K2O, %) Sulfur (S, %) 0.36 0.37 0.36 0.36 0.37 0.46 0.4 0.4 0.37Calcium (Ca, 4.44 3.78 3.74 4.65 4.82 4.5 4.86 4.73 4.39 %) Magnesium1.83 1.42 1.32 1.93 1.93 1.67 1.88 1.82 1.68 (Mg, %) Sodium (Na, 0.02 ndnd 0.02 nd 0.02 nd nd nd %) Copper (Cu, nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd ppm)Iron (Fe, 7539 7355 7697 7685 9503 9299 8574 9028 7556 ppm) Manganese200 190 208 216 238 281 220 238 211 (Mn, ppm) Zinc (Zn, 65.8 77.4 89.983.2 105.3 106.4 92.3 123.3 101 ppm) Total salts 3.61 3.67 3.26 4.254.25 4.06 4.38 3.91 3.54 (per ton) Total Carbon 25.63 23.21 26.07 25.5126.73 25.38 27.93 25.94 28.31 (%) C/N Ratio 22.8:1 18.9:1 18.1:1 17.8:117.6:1 16.7:1 18.8:1 19.5:1 18.5:1 Chloride nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd ndGrowth Media Extracts pH 7.5 Soluble 4.1 salts (mS/cm) Nitrate 246nitrogen (mg/L) Phosphorus 0.7 (P, mg/L) Potassium 294 (K, mg/L) Calcium578 (Ca, mg/L) Magnesium 210 (mg, mg/L) Sodium 91 (Na, mg/L) PlantCuttings mixed forage (DW basis) Moisture 79.76 76.07 80.24 80.83 80.0778.91 81.08 83 (%) Dry Matter 20.24 23.93 19.76 19.17 19.93 21.09 18.9217 (%) Crude 22.2 20.4 21.5 21.7 17.8 16.2 17 23.4 Protein (%) Crude Fat1.67 1.7 1.67 1.69 2.2 1.48 1.11 1.76 (%) Acid 39.6 38.7 38.8 31.4 32.634.8 48.7 25.4 Detergent Fiber (%) Ash (%) 12.2 10.8 11.1 12.1 12.1 11.211.8 13.4 Total 64.2 65.5 65.2 65 65.1 65.7 64.1 64.4 digestiblenutrients (%) Net energy-lactation 0.57 0.58 0.58 0.67 0.66 0.63 0.460.74 (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.66 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.68 0.65 0.66maint. (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.39 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.41 0.38 0.39 gain(Mcal/lb) Digestible 1.28 1.31 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.31 1.28 1.29 Energy(Mcal/lb) Metabolizable energy 1.18 1.2 1.2 1.19 1.2 1.22 1.19 1.18(Mcal/lb) Sulfur (%) 0.42 0.52 0.53 0.59 0.66 0.49 0.47 0.62 Phosphorus0.26 0.25 0.26 0.33 0.32 0.24 0.26 0.34 (%) Potassium 3.21 3.28 3.674.46 4.53 3.7 3.91 4.58 (%) Magnesium 0.37 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.55 0.44 0.430.51 (%) Calcium (%) 1.48 2 2 2.06 2.2 1.74 1.67 2.05 Sodium (%) 0.050.06 0.07 0.07 0.08 0.06 0.07 0.07 Iron (ppm) 65 64 67 86 96 62 84 107Manganese 22 28 28 29 27 23 24 35 (ppm) Copper 4 4 4 4 5 4 4 5 (ppm)Zinc (ppm) 49 49 60 63 71 54 64 66 Cobalt 0.45 0.28 0.16 0.23 0.26 0.180.21 0.47 (ppm)

This series of flats is the first of two planted with alfalfa. A Vernalvariety was chosen because it was reported that this variety is acceptedacross the industry as a greenhouse standard.

As seen in Table 7, treatments followed the same pattern as in all ofthe preceding series of flats. The best response in this series was formFlat 47, the seed treated with the highest level of the chelatedminerals, cobalt, zinc, copper and manganese lactate, at 1238grams/acre. Growth at 133% of the control was significantly above anyother treatment response. Nonetheless, the best response in thisseemingly optimized alfalfa seed was with the chelated minerals, cobalt,zinc, copper and manganese lactate.

TABLE 8 64 Flats, 2 Sq Ft/Flat Miracle-Gro Garden Soil Composite EachFlat, 0.25 CUFT soil Soil Analysis Flat Number 1-56 49 50 51 52 53 54 5556 Seed Type Alfalfa Alfalfa Alfalfa Alfalfa Alfalfa Alfalfa AlfalfaAlfalfa (Vernal) (Vernal) (Vernal) (Vernal) (Vernal) (Vernal) (Vernal)(Vernal) Seed Planted 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 (grams) SeedPlanted Jul. 11, 2009 Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, 2009 Jul. 11, Jul. 11,Jul. 11, Jul. 11, 2009 (date) 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Seeding Rate 125125 125 125 125 125 125 125 (#/acre) Soil Treated Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul.11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, Jul. 11, 2009 (date) 2009 20092009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Soil Treated (with) Nothing Delt Ag Plot YuccaCobalt Cobalt Cobalt FP250X S. Coat Max Lactate Lactate Lactate MineralMineral Mineral Complex 1 Complex 1 Complex 1 Treatment Nothing 18 19201529 50 125 1238 140 (grams per acre) DM Treat Nothing 18 58 535 50 1251238 140 (grams/acre) Solution Water 0.083/1000 0.882/1000 0.5/10000.23/1000 0.574/1000 0.5682/1000 0.574/1000  (grams/mls H2O) onlyApplied Water 10 ml in 100 ml 100 ml 10 ml in 10 ml in 100 ml 10 ml in600 (solution in H2O) (placebo) 600 in 600 in 600 600 600 in 600 2ndPart 0.069/1000* (grams/mls H2O) Applied 10 ml in 600 (solution in H2O)2nd Part *3% min Description lactate 2nd Part Mn, Zn, Cu ChelatedMinerals Mineral Application, gm/acre Organic cobalt 2.2 5.5 54.5 5.5Manganese 0.46 0.43 1.08 10.7 1.08 Zinc 0.53 0.49 1.23 12.2 1.23 Copper0.48 1.2 11.9 1.2 Organic manganese Organic zinc Organic copper TotalNitrogen (N) Phosphate (P2O5) Potash (K2O) Chelated Iron Molybenum (Mo)Sprouts (post 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 planting days) Plant Harvest Sep. 27, Sep.27, Sep. 27, Sep. 27, Sep. 27, Sep. 27, Sep. 27, Sep. 27, 2009 Date 20092009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Age at Harvest 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78(days) Weight (gms, as- 318.86 311.61 301.77 323.46 248.36 249.64 221.66222.11 is) % of Control 100 97.73 94.64 101.44 77.89 78.29 69.52 69.66Soil Analysis (dry weight) Moisture (%) 52.91 pH 7.1 Aerobic Plate 2.4Count (Mcfu/g) Anaerobic Plate 0.1 Count (Mcfu/g) Azotobacter 3 (Mcfu/g)Microbial 245 Activity (ug/10 g soil/day) Total Nitrogen 1.13 (N, %)Ammonia 0 Nitrogen (%) Nitrate Nitrogen nd (%) Organic Nitrogen 1.06 (%)Phosphorus 0.23 (P2O5, %) Potassium (K2O, 0.25 %) Sulfur (S, %) 0.36Calcium (Ca, %) 4.44 Magnesium (Mg, 1.83 %) Sodium (Na, %) 0.02 Copper(Cu, nd ppm) Iron (Fe, ppm) 7539 Manganese (Mn, 200 ppm) Zinc (Zn, ppm)65.8 Total salts (per 3.61 ton) Total Carbon (%) 25.63 C/N Ratio 22.8:1Chloride nd Growth Media Extracts pH 7.5 Soluble salts 4.1 (mS/cm)Nitrate 246 nitrogen (mg/L) Phosphorus 0.7 (P, mg/L) Potassium (K, 294mg/L) Calcium (Ca, 578 mg/L) Magnesium 210 (mg, mg/L) Sodium (Na, 91mg/L)

The next series is the second Vernal alfalfa set, this time planted at2.6 grams/flat versus the previous section at 5.6 grams/flat. The mostnotable characteristic of this series is that all flats except Flat 52,treated with the Yucca extract, performed worse than the control. Theseeding rate was low enough that the treatments (except for Yucca) weretoo much to increase growth and instead inhibited plant development.

TABLE 9 64 Flats, 2 Sq Ft/Flat Miracle-Gro Garden Soil Composite EachFlat, 0.25 CUFT soil Soil Analysis Flat Number 1-56 57 58 59 60 61 62 6364 Seed Type Food Food Plot Food Plot Food Food Food Food Food PlotClover Clover Plot Plot Plot Plot Plot Clover Mix Mix Clover CloverClover Clover Clover Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Mix Seed 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.25.2 5.2 5.2 Planted (grams) Seed Jul. 12, 2009 Jul. 12, Jul. 12, Jul.12, Jul. 12, Jul. 12, Jul. 12, 2009 Jul. 12, 2009 Planted 2009 2009 20092009 2009 (date) Seeding 249 249 249 249 249 249 249 249 Rate (#/acre)Soil Treated Jul. 12, Jul. 12, Jul. 12, Jul. 12, Jul. 12, Jul. 12, Jul.12, Jul. 12, (date) 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Soil NothingColor- Color- Cobalt 125 + BK Chelated BK BK Treated burst burst LactateChelated Chelated Chelated (with) Mineral Complex 1 Treatment Nothing10890000 21780000 2476 1586 8712 17424 26136 (grams per acre) DM TreatNothing 32670 65340 2476 1586 348 696 1045 (grams/acre) Solution Water12/4000 12/4000 0.5682/1000 0.5682/1000 0.4/100 0.8/100 1.2/100(grams/mls only H2O) Applied Water 500 ml 1000 ml 200 ml 100 ml 100 ml100 ml 100 ml (solution in in 600 in 600 in 600 in 600 in 600 H2O) 2ndPart (grams/mls H2O) Applied 0.4 gm (solution in neat H2O) 2nd Part 4%min 4% min 4% 4% Description lactate lactate min min lactate lactate 2ndPart Co, Mn, Co, Mn, Co, Co, Chelated Zn, Cu Zn, Cu Mn, Mn, Minerals Zn,Cu Zn, Cu Mineral Application, gm/acre Organic 109 5.5 21.8 43.6 65.4cobalt Manganese 21.4 1.08 Zinc 19.6 39.2 24.4 1.23 Copper 22.8 45.623.8 1.2 Organic 16.3 32.6 21.8 21.8 43.6 65.4 manganese Organic 21.821.8 43.6 65.4 zinc Organic 21.8 21.8 43.6 65.4 copper Total Nitrogen(N) Phosphate (P2O5) Potash (K2O) Chelated Iron Molybenum (Mo) Sprouts 33 3 3 3 3 3 3 (post planting days) Plant Aug. 20, Aug. 20, Aug. 20, Aug.20, Aug. 20, Aug. 20, Aug. 20, Aug. 20, Harvest 2009 2009 2009 2009 20092009 2009 2009 Date Age at 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 Harvest (days) Weight242.59 259.33 443.38 238.55 158.66 287.23 281.26 255.05 (gms, as-is) %of Control 100 106.90 182.77 98.33 65.40 118.40 115.94 105.14 SoilAnalysis Submitted Submitted Submitted Submitted Submitted SubmittedSubmitted Submitted (dry weight) Moisture 52.91 64.56 60.88 63.86 64.1663.71 60.7 61.84 63.97 (%) pH 7.1 6.9 6.9 6.9 7.1 7.2 7.1 7.2 7.3Aerobic 2.4 12.8 34 25 15 16 36 16 32 Plate Count (Mcfu/g) Anaerobic 0.10.42 0.98 0.55 0.85 1.4 2 0.53 1.3 Plate Count (Mcfu/g) Azotobacter 3 67380 240 240 480 260 420 380 (Mcfu/g) Microbial 245 669 681 752 635 1145873 1014 953 Activity (ug/10 g soil/day) Total 1.13 1.44 1.23 1.58 1.261.13 1.3 1.42 1.39 Nitrogen (N, %) Ammonia 0 nd 0.01 0 nd nd 0.01 0.01nd Nitrogen (%) Nitrate nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd nd Nitrogen (%) Organic1.06 1.44 1.22 1.57 1.26 1.13 1.29 1.41 1.39 Nitrogen (%) Phosphorus0.23 0.31 0.28 0.39 0.39 0.3 0.41 0.29 0.44 (P2O5, %) Potassium 0.25 ndnd nd nd nd nd nd nd (K2O, %) Sulfur (S, %) 0.36 0.48 0.33 0.44 0.310.33 0.41 0.34 0.5 Calcium (Ca, 4.44 2.91 2.43 2.57 2.23 2.09 2.52 2.232.78 %) Magnesium 1.83 0.73 0.66 0.61 0.53 0.5 0.66 0.55 0.72 (Mg, %)Sodium (Na, 0.02 nd nd 0.03 nd 0.22 nd nd nd %) Copper (Cu, nd nd nd ndnd nd nd nd nd ppm) Iron (Fe, 7539 12960 10583 11309 12162 10394 1238211593 11035 ppm) Manganese 200 330 258 340 307 278 313 275 275 (Mn, ppm)Zinc (Zn, 65.8 90.3 109.9 119 86.5 68.9 96.7 83.9 88.8 ppm) Total salts3.61 1.81 1.7 1.73 1.45 1.43 1.77 1.61 1.77 (per ton) Total Carbon 25.6321.05 21.8 25.71 18.75 18.32 21.02 22.25 22.56 (%) C/N Ratio 22.8:114.6:1 17.8:1 16.3:1 14.9:1 16.2:1 16.2:1 15.7:1 16.3:1 Chloride nd ndnd nd nd nd nd nd nd Growth Media Extracts pH 7.5 Soluble 4.1 salts(mS/cm) Nitrate 246 nitrogen (mg/L) Phosphorus 0.7 (P, mg/L) Potassium294 (K, mg/L) Calcium 578 (Ca, mg/L) Magnesium 210 (mg, mg/L) Sodium 91(Na, mg/L) Plant Cuttings mixed forage (DW basis) Moisture 87.22 88.8886.93 87.6 88.61 85.95 87.1 86.36 (%) Dry Matter 12.78 11.12 13.07 12.411.39 14.05 12.9 13.64 (%) Crude 16.3 23.3 14.2 21.1 26.5 23.2 19.9 23.5Protein (%) Crude Fat 2.14 2.3 2.38 2.85 3.04 3.69 2.55 2.89 (%) Acid22.3 26.5 27 20.6 19.7 17.6 23.6 27.2 Detergent Fiber (%) Ash (%) 14.815.5 12.7 14 15.3 14.3 14.3 13.5 Total 60.2 57.5 61.6 60.2 58.2 60.159.7 59.1 digestible nutrients (%) Net energy-lactation 0.8 0.75 0.750.83 0.84 0.86 0.79 0.74 (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.6 0.57 0.62 0.6 0.580.6 0.6 0.59 maint. (Mcal/lb) Net energy- 0.32 0.34 0.35 0.32 0.34 0.320.36 0.35 gain (Mcal/lb) Digestible 1.2 1.15 1.23 1.2 1.16 1.2 1.19 1.18Energy (Mcal/lb) Metabolizable energy 1.12 1.05 1.15 1.1 1.06 1.1 1.11.08 (Mcal/lb) Sulfur (%) 0.57 0.58 0.55 0.58 0.54 0.57 0.52 0.52Phosphorus 0.31 0.36 0.29 0.33 0.36 0.38 0.31 0.36 (%) Potassium 4.815.6 4.2 4.67 5.33 4.74 4.75 4.34 (%) Magnesium 0.79 0.73 0.71 0.57 0.610.73 0.57 0.58 (%) Calcium (%) 1.68 1.49 1.14 1.81 1.74 2.02 1.63 1.76Sodium (%) 0.07 0.09 0.05 0.11 0.07 0.06 0.07 0.06 Iron (ppm) 77 128 9390 118 167 81 94 Manganese 15 14 12 18 13 14 13 14 (ppm) Copper 4 4 2 44 4 4 4 (ppm) Zinc (ppm) 74 85 52 106 107 106 95 93 Cobalt 0.52 0.450.17 0.47 0.39 0.36 0.3 0.28 (ppm)

This is the last series of flats. They were planted one day after allthe others to test very high mineral levels, such as applied to plantsby a product called “Colorburst.” Colorburst is an all purpose, dualaction (fast acting, long lasting) plant food for promoting “bigger,more beautiful plants.” It was utilized because it applied much higherlevels of trace minerals—higher than any of the other products that weretested against or considered for the BK 125 product (Cobalt lactatemineral product I or II). Unlike the other mineral products, Colorburstalso contains a source of nitrogen, phosphate and potash thatsupplements the minerals. Minerals include; water soluble copper (coppersulfate), chelated iron (iron EDTA), chelated manganese (manganeseEDTA), molybdenum, water soluble zinc (zinc sulfate). The mineralapplication rates of this product were very high, on a per acre basis(˜65K grams/acre).

In this series, the order of magnitude higher mineral application rateswere tested, but also wanted to test all of the chelated minerals incombination (zinc, copper, manganese and cobalt) that were produced inpilot batches in the lab. In most of the previous flats the organicchelated cobalt was used in combination with inorganic minerals.

Food Plot Clover Mix seed planted at 5.2 grams/flat was used. Of all theflats, Colorburst in Flat 59 at about 65K grams/acre performed the best.The most important results may be in Flats 62, 63 and 64, whereincreasing levels of all the chelated minerals used in combinationproduced growth results ahead of the control. Of further interest hereis that as the total levels increased the response lessened, never lessthan the control, but definitely a trend down with increasing levels ofthe four (4) chelated materials.

In Flats 62-64 zinc, copper and manganese were used that had been mixed(reacted) together in industry recommended proportions with lactic acidto produce a single product that contained all the mineral lactatestogether. This solid reaction mass was allowed to partially dissolve inwater, then that solution was diluted and applied to the soil in thoseflats (after having been mixed as well with cobalt lactate powder toyield a mixture of all four mineral lactates). The solution was testedfor the level of each mineral lactate and that information is available.

TABLE 10 Effect of cobalt on methane, pH, ammonia-N, and digestibilityin continuous cultures of ruminal microorganisms. Treatments CoMaxCobalt CoMax Old Probability > F Carbonate (ppm) New (ppm) (ppm) Source× Item Control 0.2 1.0 0.2 1.0 1.0 SE Source Level Level Methane,nmol/ml Pre- 430.55 363.91 347.82 375.83 417.51 382.42 53.76 0.54 0.500.79 feeding* Post- 579.30 403.14 515.35 590.46 590.74 576.21 51.13 0.040.27 0.19 feeding* Culture pH Pre- 5.98 5.81 5.88 5.95 5.87 5.99 0.090.52 0.38 0.63 feeding* Post- 5.73 5.56 5.55 5.64 5.65 5.57 0.05 0.140.01 0.57 feeding* Ammonia- 12.23 10.79 10.88 11.80 11.95 10.32 1.490.57 0.79 0.92 N, mg/dL NDF 23.90 23.16 17.09 20.63 27.36 15.69 2.230.06 0.42 0.001 Digestibility, % IVDMTD**, % 60.52 59.35 59.17 59.5060.67 57.94 1.16 0.42 0.43 0.62 *Pre-feeding samples taken at 0 hours:Post-feeding values are an average of samples taken at 1, 2, 4 and 6 hafter AM feeding **IVDMTD (in vitro dry matter true digestibility) isbased on a 24 h incubation.

Addition of Co as Cobalt Lactate Mineral Complex II had no effect(P>0.10) on methane concentration but providing Co as CoCO₃ had asignificant negative impact (Table 10). Ammonia-N concentrations werenot affected (P>0.10) by dietary treatments. When compared to thecontrol, supplemental Co resulted in a decrease (P<0.01) in culture pH(Table 6). In vitro dry matter true digestibility (IVDMTD) of thecontrol diet did not differ from diets supplemented with Co (Table 10).There was a source x level interaction (P<0.001) for neutral detergentfiber (NDF) digestibility (Table 6). Addition of CoCo3 at the 1.0 ppmhad a negative effect on NDF digestibility in contrast to the increasein NDF digestibility observed with Cobalt Lactate Mineral Complex IIwhen added at the 1.0 ppm level. Earlier studies reported no effect onDM and NDF digestibility when Co was added at the 5.0 or 10.0 ppmlevels.

TABLE 11 Applied Cobalt Grass Cuttings Dry Matter Grass Dry CobaltSample ID Weight (gms) Weight (gms, 1st) Fraction Weight (gms, 1st)Found (ppm) 1 1CoSo0 0 19.94 0.1597 3.184418 0.23 2 2CoSo1 0.0025 31.060.1525 4.73665 1.13 3 3CoSo10 0.025 22.8 0.1618 3.68904 9.92 4 4CoSo1000.25 16.33 0.1688 2.756504 39.3 5 5CoSo1000 2.5 5.15 0.1868 0.96202 75.96 6CoAer0 0 17.28 0.1673 2.890944 0.49 7 7CoAer1 7.40E−05 15.7 0.17032.67371 0.78 8 8CoAer10 0.00067 17.76 0.1685 2.99256 1.77 9 9CoAer1000.008 18.56 0.1695 3.14592 5.18 10 10CoAer1000 0.069 24.03 0.16954.073085 44.2 11 11CoXec0 0 17.41 0.1725 3.003225 0.23 12 12CoXec16.70E−05 24.42 0.1694 4.136748 0.6 13 13CoXec10 0.00071 23.52 0.16623.909024 1.43 14 14CoXec100 0.0068 12.25 0.1808 2.2148 118 1515CoXec1000 0.084 12.97 0.1818 2.357946 154

In Table 11, the uptake of cobalt as measured on the grass cuttings thatwere harvested and submitted for testing. The uptake of cobaltcorrelated with the application rate and that was mirrored closely atthe lower levels.

1. A method of making a mineral product, comprising: contacting acarboxylic acid and an inorganic mineral compound, sufficient to form asolution; reacting the solution over a period of time, sufficient toprovide a mineral chelated compound; transferring the mineral chelatedcompound to one or more molds, prior to the compound substantiallysolidifying; and reducing the size of the mineral lactate compound,sufficient to provide a rapidly soluble mineral chelated product.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising screening the rapidly solublemineral chelated product.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprisingafter transferring, removing water from the mineral chelated compound.4. The method of claim 1, further comprising contacting the mineralproduct with a carrier.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprisingagitating the solution.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the carboxylicacid comprises one or more of lactic acid, propionic acid or butyricacid.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising contacting one ormore of the carboxylic acid, inorganic mineral compound or mixture withone or more catalysts.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or morecatalysts comprise iron or one or more alkaline earth metals.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the inorganic mineral compound comprises oneor more of cobalt carbonate, zinc oxide, cupric oxide, manganese oxide,compounds of scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron,nickel, copper, selenium and zinc.
 10. The method of claim 1, whereinthe carboxylic acid comprises about 75% to about 90% of the mixture andthe inorganic mineral compound comprises about 10% to about 25% of themixture, by weight.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the carboxylicacid and inorganic mineral compound comprise stoichiometric amounts. 12.A method of using a mineral product, comprising: applying a mineralproduct to a lawn, garden, pasture or field; wherein the mineral productincludes a mineral chelated compound.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the mineral product further comprises a carrier.
 14. The methodof claim 12, wherein the pasture or field comprises a harvested field,bailed field, or field or pasture with crops cut.
 15. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the mineral chelated compound comprises one or more ofa cobalt lactate compound, zinc lactate compound, copper lactatecompound or manganese lactate compound.
 16. The method of claim 12,wherein the carrier comprises diatomaceous earth.
 17. The method ofclaim 12, wherein applying further comprises improving growth of plantlife.
 18. A method of using a mineral product, comprising: administeringa mineral product to one or more living organisms; wherein the mineralproduct includes a mineral chelated compound
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein the one or more living organisms comprise monogastric mammals.20. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more living organismscomprise ruminant mammals.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein themineral chelated compound comprises one or more of a cobalt lactatecompound, zinc lactate compound, copper lactate compound or manganeselactate compound.
 22. The method of claim 18, wherein the carriercomprises diatomaceous earth.
 23. The method of claim 18, whereinadministering comprises providing the product as a feed or feedsupplement.
 24. The method of claim 18, wherein administering comprisesproviding the product to the mammals through ingestion of a plantcontaining the product.
 25. The method of claim 18, whereinadministering a mineral product to one or more living organismscomprises increasing rumen activity in a mammal.
 26. The method of claim25, wherein increasing rumen activity comprise increasing metabolism.26. A mineral product, comprising: one or more mineral chelatedlactates; yucca; fiber; one or more enzymes; and a carrier.
 27. Themineral product of claim 26, further comprising one or more metalsulfates.
 28. The mineral product of claim 26, wherein the one or moremineral chelated lactates comprise cobalt lactate.
 29. The mineralproduct of claim 27, wherein the one or more metal sulfates comprisessulfates of manganese, zinc, copper or combinations thereof.
 30. Themineral product of claim 26, wherein the one or more mineral chelatedlactates comprise about 15% to about 20% of the product by weight. 31.The mineral product of claim 27, wherein the one or more metal sulfatescomprise about 2% to about 10% of the product by weight.
 32. The mineralproduct of claim 26, wherein the fiber comprises about 1% to about 5% ofthe product by weight.
 33. The mineral product of claim 26, wherein theone or more enzymes comprise about 0.1% to about 2% of the product byweight.
 34. The mineral product of claim 26, wherein the carriercomprises about 60% to about 80% of the product by weight.
 35. Themineral product of claim 26, wherein the yucca comprises about 1% toabout 5% of the product by weight.